Navigating the legal requirements for marriage in a foreign country can be complex, but with the right guidance, the process can be smooth and straightforward. At the office of Dave Higgins, we specialize in assisting international couples with the necessary paperwork to get married in Japan. This guide will walk you through the steps for a US citizen and a Thai citizen to legally marry in Japan.
General Requirements for Marriage in Japan
Before diving into the specific requirements for each nationality, there are a few general rules for getting married in Japan:
- Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Witnesses: You will need two witnesses, who can be of any nationality but must be at least 20 years old. They will need to sign your marriage registration form.
- Marriage Registration Form (婚姻届 – Kon’in Todoke): This is the official application for marriage in Japan. You can obtain this form from any municipal office in Japan.
Requirements for the US Citizen
For a US citizen to marry in Japan, the key document you will need is an Affidavit of Competency to Marry. This document, sworn at the US Military Base legal Office, US Embassy or a consulate in Japan, affirms that you are legally free to marry.
To obtain the Affidavit, you will need to make an appointment at the US Embassy or a consulate and bring the following:
- Your valid US passport
- Your original birth certificate (and a Japanese translation)
- The notarial fee
Requirements for the Thai Citizen
For a Thai citizen residing in Thailand, the following documents are required:
- Certificate of Singleness and Proof of Residence: Both documents must be issued in Thailand, in the Thai language, and authenticated by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Authenticated Translations: You will need either:
- An English translation of both certificates, authenticated by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Written Declaration (申述書 – Shinjutsusho): This is a statement, prepared by the Thai national, explaining why a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage cannot be submitted.
Here is an example word document for the sworn statement you can use.
The Marriage Registration Process
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, the final step is to submit them to the municipal office in the city or ward where you will be registering your marriage. The date you submit the kon’in todoke will be your official date of marriage.
After your marriage is registered, you will be able to obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (婚姻届受理証明書 – kon’in todoke juri shōmeisho). This document is your official proof of marriage in Japan.
How We Can Help
The process of getting married in Japan as an international couple can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. The office of Dave Higgins can assist you with every step of the process, from preparing your documents to ensuring they are correctly submitted. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your new life together in Japan.
– Dave & Hazuki